Uncoil: meaning, definitions and examples

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uncoil

[ʌnˈkɔɪl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

rope

To unwind or untwist a coil or coils.

Synonyms

untwist, unwind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
uncoil	When referring to something that was previously coiled or spiraled, like a rope or a snake. The snake started to uncoil as it prepared to move. She slowly uncoiled the garden hose.
unwind	When referring to relaxing after a period of stress or tension, or when unwinding something rolled or wound up, like a spool of thread or a clock spring. After work, he likes to unwind by watching TV. She carefully unwound the thread from the spool.
untwist	When something is twisted and needs to be straightened out, like a wire or a twisted piece of fabric. He had to untwist the wires before making the connection. She untwisted the tie before ironing it.

Word

Description / Examples

uncoil

When referring to something that was previously coiled or spiraled, like a rope or a snake.

The snake started to uncoil as it prepared to move.
She slowly uncoiled the garden hose.

unwind

When referring to relaxing after a period of stress or tension, or when unwinding something rolled or wound up, like a spool of thread or a clock spring.

After work, he likes to unwind by watching TV.
She carefully unwound the thread from the spool.

untwist

When something is twisted and needs to be straightened out, like a wire or a twisted piece of fabric.

He had to untwist the wires before making the connection.
She untwisted the tie before ironing it.

Examples of usage

The snake uncoiled itself and slithered away.
She uncoiled the rope from around the tree.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

spring

To release or become free from a coiled or wound position.

Synonyms

release, unwind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
uncoil	Best used when describing the action of a coiled object straightening out. Often used in a physical sense, like with springs, ropes, or snakes. The snake began to uncoil from its resting position. He had to uncoil the rope before using it.
release	Commonly used when referring to setting something or someone free from confinement, restraint, or another form of holding. Can also be used to describe making something available to the public, like a product or information. They decided to release the prisoner after evidence proved his innocence. The company will release the new software update next week.
unwind	Typically used to describe the process of relaxing after a period of stress or activity. It can also mean to untangle or straighten out something that is wound up. After a long day at work, she likes to unwind with a good book. He unwound the tangled wires carefully.

Word

Description / Examples

uncoil

Best used when describing the action of a coiled object straightening out. Often used in a physical sense, like with springs, ropes, or snakes.

The snake began to uncoil from its resting position.
He had to uncoil the rope before using it.

release

Commonly used when referring to setting something or someone free from confinement, restraint, or another form of holding. Can also be used to describe making something available to the public, like a product or information.

They decided to release the prisoner after evidence proved his innocence.
The company will release the new software update next week.

unwind

Typically used to describe the process of relaxing after a period of stress or activity. It can also mean to untangle or straighten out something that is wound up.

After a long day at work, she likes to unwind with a good book.
He unwound the tangled wires carefully.

Examples of usage

The spring uncoiled with a loud noise.
He watched as the metal coil uncoiled slowly.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'coil,' which means to wind or twist.
Originally derived from the Old French word 'coiler,' showing the evolution of language through time.
The concept of coiling is often used in different languages to describe circular or spiral shapes.

Science

In physics, uncoiling can relate to springs, where releasing tension allows them to return to their original shape.
Flowers often uncoil their petals as they bloom, which can be seen in species like the morning glory.
Some reptiles uncoil their bodies when they hunt, displaying camouflage and agility.

Literature

In literature, uncoiling is often used as a metaphor for revealing deeper truths or emotions, similar to peeling layers.
The imagery of a tightly wound character uncoiling can symbolize personal growth or a journey toward self-discovery.
Famous poems have depicted nature uncoiling with the arrival of spring, symbolizing renewal and hope.

Pop Culture

In movies and shows, scenes of characters uncoiling themselves often signify breaking free from constraints or past traumas.
Uncoiling is commonly seen in animation when characters that were previously coiled up relax and stretch out dramatically.
Figures like the 'uncoiling snake' are used in symbolism within various art forms, indicating freedom or transformation.

Psychology

Uncoiling can represent the release of built-up stress or anxiety, similar to how relaxation techniques encourage letting go of tension.
In therapy, talking through issues can be seen as a process of uncoiling one's thoughts and feelings to understand them better.
The idea of emotional uncoiling can help individuals visualize the decluttering of their minds.

Translations

Translations of the word "uncoil" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desenrolar

🇮🇳 खोलना

🇩🇪 abwickeln

🇮🇩 mengurai

🇺🇦 розмотати

розгорнути
розкрутити

🇵🇱 odwinąć

🇯🇵 ほどく

🇫🇷 débobiner

🇪🇸 desenrollar

🇹🇷 açmak

🇰🇷 풀다

🇸🇦 يفك

🇨🇿 odvinout

🇸🇰 odvinúť

🇨🇳 解开

🇸🇮 odviti

🇮🇸 afþjálfa

🇰🇿 шешу

🇬🇪 გაშლა

🇦🇿 açmaq

🇲🇽 desenrollar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,814, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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